STATE TIMES NEWS
KISHTWAR: Underscoring the importance of education in the socio-economic empowerment, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said Islam has laid ample stress on seeking knowledge, making it a compulsory obligation.
Addressing the annual day function of Islamia Faridia Educational and Research Institute here, the Chief Minister said education is a great leveler to bridge any social and economic gap in society and reminded the students how much stress Islam has laid on seeking knowledge.
Mehbooba Mufti reminded the students that Iqra (learn) was the first verse to have been revealed upon the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and seeking knowledge was made Farz (compulsory) for every Muslim. Importance of education has been stressed in Islam time and again and preventing or disrupting education is a disservice to Islam, she said.
The Chief Minister complimented the Islamia Faridia Educational and Research Institute for its efforts in spreading education in Chenab valley region during 111 years of its existence since 1905. She announced a grant of Rs 50 lakh for the school for its further development and infrastructure upgradation while assuring all possible help to the institute.
Mehbooba Mufti asked the charitable institutes like Auqafs and trusts in the State to emulate successful models like Islamia Faridia Trust, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah, Mata Vaishno Devi University etc. where the offerings and other donations were gainfully used to spread education, make colleges, universities and hospitals. This is the best use of these offerings and real tribute to these saints and deities, she said. Felicitating people on the Urs of Hazrat Shah Asrar ud Din (RA), the Chief Minister said development of the region has always remained close to her heart. She said she is fully aware of the problems and aspirations of the people of the area.
Earlier on her arrival, the Chief Minister was given a warm reception by the students of the institute. She was taken by a contingent of students of the institute to the podium.
The Chief Minister, on the occasion, distributed Faridia Gold medals among the dedicated teachers of the institute.
